Feb. 25, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. - The Northwestern women's basketball team closed out the regular season with a 69-52 loss to Indiana at Welsh-Ryan Arena. With the loss the Wildcats ended the campaign with a 4-22 record (0-16 Big Ten). The Hoosiers improved to 18-9 (9-7 Big Ten).
Northwestern remained close through much of the first half, and actually held the lead at 18-17 when Dana Leonard drained a 3-pointer with 5:38 to play. But Indiana took over from there, scoring 11 of the stanza's last 14 points and taking a 28-21 lead into the break.
The Hoosiers then broke out of the gate in the second half with an 11-2 run, making the score 39-24. Northwestern would get within eight points on two occasions in the latter stages of the game, but Indiana had little trouble keeping them at bay.
Northwestern was led by Tami Sears, who closed out her home career with 14 points and eight rebounds. Michelle Zylstra was the only other Wildcat in double digits, with 10 points and seven boards. For Indiana, Jill Chapman led the way with 21 points, while Heather Cassady added 16 and Rainey Alting had 15.
Sunday's game marked the final home games for seniors Leonard, Sears, Becky Fisher and Chala Holland.
Northwestern will begin play in the Big Ten Tournament in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Thursday evening. The Wildcats will play Illinois in the first round.